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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 346 nursing homes in CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
RESC (Residential Care):
Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The California average is: 61.1% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 346 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Countryside Care Center provides nursing care and skilled nursing in Fresno, CA. Located in the Westside neighborhood, its 59 beds create a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.
Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. The community may be a good fit for someone whose health needs require ongoing clinical oversight.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid can help when savings may not cover a long stay, and private pay allows a family to use its own funds.
Total nurse staffing is 3h 51m per resident per day. This represents the daily nurse staffing time allocated per resident.
Operated by Park Marino Health Center, Inc., Two Palms Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Pasadena, California. The community is owned by Estrella Choy and administered by Maria Teresita Quizon. It is located about 3.2 miles from the city center and around 4 miles from USC Arcadia Hospital. The 112-bed facility has an average resident stay of 101 days, which is a mix of short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care.
Residents receive 24-hour skilled nursing care and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Therapy services, dementia care, and a hospice program support both recovery and ongoing care needs. The community also provides memory support through structured mental stimulation. Also, it performs regular health assessments to adjust care as residents’ needs change.
Meals are prepared to meet individual dietary needs and restrictions. Residents also have access to grooming services and live entertainment. Daily activities here mainly support overall health and well-being and has structure beyond clinical care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several payment options.
The area has a Walk Score of 49, which is somewhat walkable. A few nearby errands can be completed on foot, but most trips require a car. Families comparing care options may also want to consider the community’s location about 4 miles from USC Arcadia Hospital when planning for medical visits.
Overview of Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center – North Hollywood
Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center in North Hollywood, CA, is a well-regarded nursing home that offers long-term care and rehabilitation. Promoting a warm and nurturing environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well during their stay. Residents also experience high-quality services, like 24-hour care, therapy services, and recreational programs. To meet residents’ needs and preferences, the community provides individualized care plans.
Exercises, fun gatherings, and plenty of recreational activities encourage residents to live actively and create meaningful moments. Spacious rooms and thoughtfully curated amenities are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Situated in the peaceful residential area of North Hollywood, near restaurants and shops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.
Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab is a compassionate nursing home in Bakersfield, CA, that offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. With its supportive environment, the community ensures older adults can keep their peace of mind during their stay. Restaurant-style dining, 24-hour assistance, and transportation services are among the high-quality services offered to improve residents’ quality of life. Through personalized care plans, the community strives to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.
Light exercises, social events, and games help residents try new hobbies and make friends. Cozy living spaces and lively gathering areas are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. The area is also filled with bus stops, parks, and other shops, ensuring residents have easy access to their needs and leisure. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.
Peacefully nestled near Magic Johnson Park in Los Angeles, CA, Avalon Villa Care Center is an exceptional community that focuses on skilled nursing. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team that helps with their personal needs around the clock. Thoughtfully designed and sophisticated accommodations are provided, so residents feel at ease during their stay.
Aside from their healthcare needs, residents’ leisure and wellness are also taken into consideration, conducting fun recreational activities and exciting events. Rehabilitation and therapy services are also available to enhance residents’ living experiences. This Medicare-certified community is a good option for those looking for a wide range of care to live comfortably in retirement.
Valley Healthcare in Bakersfield, CA, is a nursing home that has comprehensive care options, including short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The community fosters comfort and healing with its warm and supportive environment. With 24-hour assistance, well-balanced meals, and therapy services, residents have a worry-free living. Here, residents’ needs are prioritized, so personalized care is created dedicated to improving their quality of life.
Residents can make friends and explore interests through social events, light exercises, and recreational activities. Thoughtfully designed living spaces and accessible communal areas ensure residents can move around and rest without hassles. Situated in the quiet residential area in Bakersfield, near restaurants and shops, the community ensures residents have quick access to their necessities and leisure. This nursing home is ideal for senior living in California, as it has high-quality services that aim to help older adults live to their potential in retirement.
Focusing on seniors’ wellness, Brookdale Riverwalk located at Calloway Drive, Bakersfield, CA is an extraordinary continuing care retirement community offering a wide range of living options. These include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled care. The community provides a selection of spacious and well-designed floor plans including studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and private, and companion suites.
Experience a better quality of life with Brookdale Riverwalk’s dedicated and compassionate community. The community promotes an active and engaged lifestyle, conducting fun activities and wellness programs. Brookdale Riverwalk promises to deliver the highest quality of life that befits its residents, providing them with an environment where they can thrive confidently. Delight with delectable and nutritious meals served to satisfy the resident’s dietary needs and to promote socialization. Brookdale Riverwalk provides fabulous amenities including a library, a game room, a therapy room, a greenhouse, a beauty and barbershop, an outdoor pool, and walking paths, for its residents’ leisure and wellness.
Discover Artesia Christian Home, a compassionate haven located in Artesia, California. This Christian-centered residence offers a comprehensive array of senior living options, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and independent living. Operating as a nonprofit organization, this facility is dedicated to providing exceptional care that genuinely puts residents’ well-being at the forefront. With a rich history dating back to 1951, their longstanding commitment to Christlike compassion has stood the test of time.
They hold a deep belief in the unique strengths and interests of each resident, ensuring that personalized attention is at the heart of their care philosophy. With 65 assisted living apartments, this cozy haven caters to seniors aged 65 and above, and offers additional levels of care to meet individual needs. The facility boasts a charming design that creates an ideal environment, inviting residents to experience comfort, security, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Nestled in a welcoming neighborhood in Carmichael, CA, Mountain Manor is a distinguished senior living community, offering assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. With 24-hour supervision from a highly-trained care team and access to services like medication management, and daily living assistance, residents are empowered to live their lives comfortably. Access to various therapy services and state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology are also offered to help residents regain or preserve their mobility, strength, and functionality.
Vibrant daily activities are conducted regularly to provide residents with opportunities for recreation, socialization, and leisure. Dietitian approved meals are served in elegant dining areas to make sure residents eat healthy and right on time. With its extensive array of services, amenities, and activities, residents here are guaranteed to age well and live well.
Overview of The Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield
The Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield is a newly renovated nursing home in Bakersfield, CA, that offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Here, older adults can keep their peace of mind, accompanied by its supportive and inviting environment. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, pain management, and nutritional services, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also strives to understand residents’ needs and preferences with personalized care plans.
Group outings, fitness classes, and live entertainment are among the activities that residents can participate in to stay active and learn new things. Residents can also relax in the spacious courtyard and cozy communal spaces. Serene parks, bus stops, and other local amenities also surround the area, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its excellent services dedicated to older adults’ welfare.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in California
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?
Assisted living in California is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does California Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — California Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 346 nursing homes in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in California?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in California, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in California?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
Nursing Homes in California at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.1/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.0/ 5
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